A Short Textbook of Surgery

The little textbook of surgery is apparently here to stay; this one is near the top of the list in quality of presentation, comprehensiveness, accuracy, and timeliness. The usual criticism of the abbreviated text centers around the relative superficiality of its treatment of very complex subjects. If, however, one accepts this limitation in the short work and confines the use of such studies to introductory purposes, they may have some merit. The authors emphasize, quite rightly, that a book such as this should be looked upon "rather as a key to open the door." It is recommended therefore, that for wider reading, consultation of original sources is of the utmost importance. A judicious bibliography for this purpose is included at the termination of each section. For the American reader, one facet of this text must evoke mixed emotions; the book is British in origin and the epidemiologic data and references